PIA exec cites need to raise ASEAN awareness among Filipinos

TACLOBAN CITY, April 6 (PNA) – The Philippine government is stepping up efforts to help Filipinos appreciate “what it means to be part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) community” by putting up information kiosks in public places and holding multi-sectoral forums.

Citing latest survey, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Deputy Director-General Gregorio Angelo Villar said that only 29 percent of the entire ASEAN population are aware of the significance of ASEAN to their lives.

“We refer (to) ASEAN as them, but it is supposed to be us, because we are part of it. It should be the same way that we are proud of talking about us being Filipinos. We should know that we are part of this bigger region, how we are citizen of a bigger region, and how we are dealing with our ASEAN neighbors,” Villar said during Thursday’s information kiosk launching at the Tacloban Airport here.

In the past few months, PIA, the government’s information arm, has been setting up information kiosks to raise public awareness about ASEAN and the government’s flagship programs.

The kiosk, which is up for display in the entire year, contains information about ASEAN history, its priorities and endeavors, and its relevance to every Filipino. The agency also launched a similar kiosk at the Ormoc City bus terminal.

On Friday, there will be a one-day ASEAN forum at Robinsons Place Tacloban to be attended by heads of national government agencies in the region, local government officials and private sector representatives.

“ASEAN offers opportunities to each and every member state and to every Filipino by opening doors to travel, learn and earn. It is a community of opportunity and something the PIA wishes to communicate to each and every Filipino,” Villar added.

The association’s economic integration allows free flow of goods, services, investments, capitals and skilled labor.

The ASEAN 2017, chaired by the Philippines, carries the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World.” The country’s chairmanship also coincides with its 50th anniversary.

The Presidential Communications Operations Office has been providing media coverage and logistics for the ASEAN launch in Davao City on January 15, the 30th ASEAN Summit on April 2017, the 50th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and Related Meetings coinciding with ASEAN’s 50th anniversary celebration in Metro Manila by August and the 31st ASEAN Summit in Clark, Pampanga in November.

ASEAN was established on Aug. 8, 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration by the founding fathers of ASEAN, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. 

Later, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia joined, bringing to 10 the group's composition. (PNA)
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